Gregg Berhalter returns as US men's national team head coach
Gregg Berhalter has been reappointed as the US men’s national team head coach, following a tumultuous exit from the organization when his contract expired after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The American manager originally departed in December, as an independent investigation into the decades-old domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and his now-wife Rosalind transpired.
It was later revealed the parents of USMNT player Gio Reyna forced the details into the limelight as blackmail and retaliation for comments the coach made about the Dortmund player.
After an extensive process, US Soccer concluded the investigation and cleared the former head coach of further wrongdoing beyond the 1992 incident. Though the 49-year-old’s contract with USMNT expired on December 31, 2022, he remained a "candidate to term as head coach of the Men’s National Team."
"Given the investigators' conclusion that there is no legal impediment to employing him, Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate to serve as head coach of the Men's National Team," stated USSF in March.
Sporting Director Matt Crocker went on to conduct several interviews with a plethora of potential candidates from different countries and backgrounds before offering the position to the former head coach.
"When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026," said Crocker.
"Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward. Appointing the right head coach for a National Team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer’s identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him."
During his first stint with the Stars and Stripes, Berhalter led the team to lift the Nations League and Gold Cup trophies before reaching the knockout round in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He propelled progress within the locker room, leading several USMNT figures to come out in his defense following his departure and ask for his return.
"I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me, added Berhalter. "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to build on our achievements at the World Cup and to contribute to this exciting time for soccer in our country. The entire group of players and staff have worked incredibly hard to establish our identity on and off the field. We look forward to continuing our journey together to make our fans and our nation proud."
Berhalter will replace interim manager B.J. Callaghan, following the USMNT’s participation in the Nations League final against Canada and the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting on June 25.